K500,000 Boost for ZAM month

Wonderful Group marks 15 years with landmark fertiliser project and industry support.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (8 September 2025)

The Wonderful Group of Companies has contributed K500,000 to the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) to support this year’s Manufacturing Month, underlining its influence in Zambia’s industrialisation and regional integration efforts.

The cheque was handed over at the group’s Lusaka headquarters by Acting Chief Executive Officer Roy Mwamba, alongside Board Chairperson Gilbert Temba and Yauchi Wang, who highlighted that the sponsorship reflected the company’s enduring commitment to the manufacturing sector, regional trade, and national economic growth.

“Manufacturing is at the core of what we do. Zambia’s economic progress, and indeed the region’s, depends on a strong industrial base. Our sponsorship underscores our dedication to driving growth in this sector,” Mwamba said.

The donation coincides with the group’s 15th anniversary, celebrated under the campaign “Wonderful at 15,” which highlights the company’s impact on Zambia’s economy since it began operations in 2010. 

Mwamba noted that the group’s subsidiaries already export packaging, steel, and fertiliser products to more than eight countries in the region, demonstrating the importance of regional markets for growth.

“Zambia alone cannot sustain large-scale industrialisation. Expanding into regional markets allows us to maximise the potential of our products and contribute to broader economic development,” he added.

“This partnership with ZAM goes beyond sponsorship. It reflects our belief that the manufacturing sector can drive sustainable growth, generate employment, and build a resilient economy for Zambia and the wider region,” Mwamba said.

ZAM President Ashu Sagar praised the group for achieving in 15 years what many companies take decades to accomplish. 

He highlighted the upcoming launch of United Capital Fertiliser’s expanded urea production, a US$600 million project, as a key milestone for the sector.

“The progress we have seen is remarkable. This investment aligns with the government’s industrialisation agenda and will feature prominently at the Trade Facilitation Conference, which will be officiated by President Hakainde Hichilema,” Sagar said.

He also pointed out that recent policy support, including Statutory Instrument 45, which grants fertiliser preferential treatment in government procurement, will provide local companies like Wonderful Group with a competitive edge while promoting food security.

Gilbert Temba, Board Chairperson of Wonderful Group, emphasised that industrial growth is crucial not only for exports but also for creating employment opportunities. 

“With high unemployment levels, no other sector can absorb workers as quickly as manufacturing. Some of our subsidiaries already export 50–60 percent of their output, including fertiliser, but scaling further requires stable policy support,” he said.

Temba further urged the government to implement policies that empower local manufacturers to compete effectively both regionally and internationally, stressing that industrialisation cannot thrive without consistent policy backing.

Beyond Zambia, Wonderful Group has expanded its regional presence and is listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, where it raised US$63 million in its initial public offering — a move ZAM described as a benchmark for Zambian companies operating on a regional stage.

Over the past 15 years, the conglomerate has diversified into steel, packaging, and fertiliser production, establishing itself as one of the largest industrial groups in the country.

Celebrating its anniversary, the company reaffirmed its commitment to expanding operations while ensuring that local communities benefit from its growth initiatives.